George Washington House: A Glimpse into History

George Washington House, nestled in the historic Garrison area of Bridgetown, offers a unique window into the life of a young George Washington and 18th-century Barbados. Built around 1717, this beautifully restored plantation house is the only residence outside the continental United States where George Washington resided. In 1751, a 19-year-old George Washington and his ailing half-brother Lawrence spent two months at what was then known as Bush Hill House, hoping the climate would improve Lawrence's tuberculosis. Visitors can explore the period-furnished rooms on the ground floor, providing an authentic glimpse into 18th-century colonial life. The upper floor houses an interactive museum that delves into the rich cultural heritage of the island during the 17th and 18th centuries, a time when Barbados was one of the wealthiest countries in the hemisphere. The museum also examines the history of slavery in the Caribbean and the southern United States. The site also features a section of the historic Garrison Tunnels, rediscovered in 2011. These tunnels, originally built in the 1820s for drainage, were later used as escape routes for the British Garrison troops. A 16-minute docudrama about George Washington's visit to Barbados is shown in an air-conditioned cinema on site. Guided tours are available in multiple languages, providing further insights into the history and significance of the house.